1/2 oz. Gold Eagles

Obverse design of the 1/2 oz. American Gold Eagle

These 1/2 oz. gold coins feature a classic American design created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens over 100 years ago for the 1907 Double Eagle. Through a project created by President Teddy Roosevelt, this design was meant to be the first of a number of beautiful new designs meant to revolutionize U.S. coinage. This design is just as popular today as it was 100 years ago, and collectors and stackers purchase thousands of these coins every year.

Reverse design of the 1/2 oz. Gold American Eagle

The reverse design of the American Gold Eagle, an image of a family of bald eagles in a nest, was created by Miley Busiek. This imagery symbolizes the freedom that all American’s possess. This design was new to the American Gold Eagle bullion coin, and was not a classic. Since 1986, however, this design has become very significant and can be recognized by most U.S. coin collectors or stackers.

Gold Composition of the 1/2 oz. Gold Eagle

This 1/2 oz. American Gold Eagle is composed of .9167 fine gold, with a balance of copper. This coin has a gram weight of 16.97, and is struck to a diameter of 27 mm. The added copper strengthens the coins, although the coin is meant to remain in a protected tube or holder. The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 declared that the gold used when producing this coin must be mined in the United States, making this a thoroughly American coin.

1/2 oz. American Gold Eagle Finishes

The $25 1/2 oz. American Gold Eagle was originally only issued in as a bullion coin, but in 1987 - its second year of production - a proof version was struck for collectors. In 2006, a new version of this coin was created for collectors, using a new burnished finish. While the largest quantity of 1/2 oz. American Gold Eagles are produced for those who stack the coins for their gold content, the U.S. Mint has made certain that versions have been minted just for collectors.